Rocking the Gardens
The Emmerentia Gardens came to life on 9 and 10 October, with the second instalment of Rocking the Gardens.
Organised by Oppikoppi Productions, Rocking the Gardens is fast becoming one of the fastest growing eco-friendly music and lifestyle festivals in the country. Some of the acts featured on the main stage included Tidal Waves, Jesse Clegg, Prime Circle, Zebra & Giraffe, Flash Republic and the Springbok Nude Girls. Sound Stylists, under the organisation of Project Manager - Colin Loock was proud to supply the full technical, and backline for this feast of music, comedy and performance art.
The scene of the main stage was the permanent thatch lapa at the Emmerentia Dam. Milos QTL2000 trio’s were hung from the wooden cross beams to support the lighting fixtures.
The lighting included 12 JB LED Par 64’s, 5 Atomic 300 strobes and 2 Martin 250 Entours. 2 Additional Entours were placed on a totem behind the drummer and a further 2 on the stage floor. A total of 36 BriteQ Powerbanks were hung from the trussing, and used to light the audience. The lighting was programmed by Sean Crawley who controlled the mainstage lighting on an Avolite Pearl Expert.
The front PA system comprised of 12 Nexo GEOD’s hung in a line array either side of the main stage. These were powered by our GEOD Amp Rack. The subs consisted of 16 Alpha S2’s ground stacked in front of the stage. For delays, 2 J-towers were erected either side of FOH, and consisted of GEOS 12 a side. 2 Yamaha PM5D mixing consoles were used, one for monitors and controlled by Nardus de Lange, the other for FOH and controlled by Kyle Robson. In addition we used a PS15 as a stage monitor.
The festival AV was overseen by Douw Grobelar. On the main stage the AV, was displayed on four 42” LCD screens. Two were placed angled in the rear behind the drummer and the other two placed on totems on the front sides of the stage at opposite angles. The screen visuals comprised of live video footage, special affects – compliments of Arkaos and the Sony Anycast Vision Mixer, and band titles. In total 4 video cameras were used, 2 x Sony Mini DV CAM and 1 x Sony HDR – Mini DV. Two mobile LED Screens measuring 3.7m x 2.8m were used either side of the main stage, and projects live visuals as well as special effects. In charge of the cameras was Barrett O’Grady and Johan Botha, with Werner Schmidt and Conor Gallagher supporting on stage. In addition we had the support of technicians Moffat Ndzbodi, Vernon Phoku and rigger Tlou (Sam) Mmethi.
The show was hailed a success by both the fans and the organisers of the event. A combination of an incredible venue, and the magic of lights and sound the festival lived up to all that it promised to be – “… bigger, better, happier, funnier, more colourful, more exciting and definitely more entertaining.”
